# Chilean jack mackerel fishing crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chilean-jack-mackerel-fishing-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-30T22:28:48.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In August 2026, the Chilean government, through the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca), implemented new protocols to address a jack mackerel (jurel) crisis. The measure, effective retroactively from July 31, 2026, through December 31, 2026, establishes temporary protection areas from the Arica y Parinacota region to Los Lagos.

The crisis stems from climate factors, including rising sea temperatures and the El Niño phenomenon, which have caused a scarcity of appropriately sized fish. The new protocol utilizes early warning mechanisms and voluntary displacement of fishing zones to manage the situation. Subsecretary Osvaldo Urrutia noted that while sightings of normal-sized mackerel have been encouraging, continued monitoring is required. The initiative aims to balance biomass conservation with economic needs by providing flexibility to both artisanal and industrial fishing sectors.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-30: Argentina and Peru implement new fishing regulations and quotas

Argentina has closed two fishing zones near Santa Cruz to protect juvenile hake, while Peru has set 2026 fishing quotas for anchoveta, jack mackerel, and mackerel to ensure marine sustainability.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-and-peru-implement-new-fishing-regulations-and-quotas

### 2026-08-13: Chile implements new fishing protocols to address jack mackerel crisis

Chile has implemented a new protocol to create temporary protection areas for jack mackerel fishing from July to December 2026 to mitigate resource scarcity caused by climate change.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chile-implements-new-fishing-protocols-to-address-jack-mackerel-crisis

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Cite as: Chilean jack mackerel fishing crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chilean-jack-mackerel-fishing-crisis